About Us

OADI

The Office for the Advancement of Developing Industries (OADI) is the University of Alabama Birmingham's high-tech business incubator. OADI's mission is to provide Birmingham-based, technology-oriented entrepreneurs with an unique environment that will increase their company's chances for success. By providing affordable office and lab space, professional and support services, and access to the University's resources, OADI fosters entrepreneurial ideas from the early stage of company development until graduation from the incubator.

OADI Staff

Susan Matlock - Executive Director
Devon Laney - Vice President Client Services
Shaun Pollard - Executive Assistant

OADI 2005 Year End Report

2004 Year End Report

2003 Year End Report

What is Business Incubation?

Excerpt taken from the National Business Incubation Association website

Business incubation is a dynamic process of business enterprise development. Incubators nurture young firms, helping them to survive and grow during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. Incubators provide hands-on management assistance, access to financing and orchestrated exposure to critical business or technical support services. They also offer entrepreneurial firms shared office services, access to equipment, flexible leases and expandable space--all under one roof.

An incubation program's main goal is to produce successful graduates, businesses that are financially viable and free standing when they leave the incubator, usually in two to three years. Thirty percent of incubator clients typically graduate each year. According to the Impact of Incubator Investments Study, 1997, 87% of incubator graduates are still in business.

Services Offered

A wide range of professional services are provided to tenant companies by OADI's experienced business personnel. Tenants are offered help with the development of a business plan, formulation of marketing strategies and discussion of proprietary rights protection issues. In addition, the staff provides tenants with access to a professional network that serves as a support group comprised
of accounting, insurance, payroll, and legal firms. These firms offer discounted rates to small, start-up companies within the incubator

Business Assistance

Strategic Planning
Regular busines seminars on a variety of business topics
Assistance with determining marketing strategies, marketing goals, Internet marketing strategies, sales strategies, direct marketing, etc.
Mentoring from OADI and Entrepreneurial Center staff and Board of Directors
Business plan guidance
Networking opportunities
Access to a professional network that serves as a support group comprised of accounting, insurance, payroll, and legal firms
Help with identifying financing sources
Help initiate contacts for strategic partnerships and other business alliances

Professional Development

Networking Opportunities
Regular business seminars on a variety of busines topics
Keep you informed on business related events in the area

Facilities and Equipment

Receptionist to sign for packages and greet and direct visitors
Telephone answering & Nortel-Meridian phone system
Telephone rental, voice mail, and long distance service
Business library with entrepreneurial reference materials, business software, and online services
Email address
Web site hosting services
Janitorial services
Dedicated T-1 line to the Internet
Conference Rooms Facilities
Binding Machines
Four-Color and Black & White Photocopying
Fax Machine
Postage Machines
Security System and card access entry
Fire resistant safe
Parking
Mail system with Fed Ex drop boxes, postage meter and scale
Tradeshow booth and tabletop display
Audio visual equipment (InFocus project, slide projector)
Typewriters
Employee Lounges
Tenant Storage Area
Outdoor Terrace

Other Services

Provide technical assistance and support for some software packages
Identify computer personnel for hardware sales/problems
Scan photographs, logos, or other art and save to disks for use in your documents
Coordinate newspaper articles on your business events and other news worthy items, including writing press releases
Notarize documents
Keep resumes on file to aid in your search for qualified employees
UAB library privelages
Design services, including newsletter publication and design, brochure design, PowerPoint presentations, and letterhead/business card design
Website design services

Entrepreneurial Center

The Entrepreneurial Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit business incubation program dedicated to helping emerging technology and service businesses develop, grow, and succeed. It provides affordable space and services as well as on-site business consulting, training opportunities, and dedicated T1 internet access and website hosting. The Entrepreneurial Center is an economic development organization sponsored by the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, and the private business community. The Entrepreneurial Center continues its collaborative relationship with the University of Alabama at Birmingham to manage the technology and life sciences incubator, OADI Technology Center at UAB. UAB and the Entrepreneurial Center are further strengthening this relationship by developing a joint business incubation program that will be housed in a new 145,000 square foot facility in downtown Birmingham. The new facility is scheduled to open in early 2007.

Entrepreneurial Center Staff

Susan Matlock - President / CEO
Gerry O'Toole - Vice President / CFO
Eddie Hill - Vice President Client Services
Kevin Herren - Director of IT Services
Tatanisha McCain- Executive Assistant

EC 2005 Year End Report